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Injured Camp Groomes soldier likely to lose leg
– Majority of victims begin receiving financial packages
By Zena Henry
Thirty-two-year-old Calvin Lewis, as a strong and fit man ran a six-mile military race with ease in the past; today he is a mere shadow of himself, having been seriously hurt in the deadly Camp Groomes explosion which claimed the lives of three other Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks in 2000. Lewis is likely to have his right leg amputated after a prolonged period of deterioration.
The medically unfit rank had earlier in the month returned to the Force’s
Eight of the Camp Groomes victims. Calvin Lewis (third from right) is unable to wear closed-toed footwear.
headquarters seeking medical assistance, unable to bear another painful episode with his swollen, oozing, worm-infested leg. Lieutenant Colonel Walter Morris, from the Force’s Welfare Department told Kaieteur News yesterday that the entity and Lewis are now in discussions over the amputation of his leg.
He explained that the condition of the rank’s limb has left him (Lewis) to consider its separation, while the GDF is in support of health measures to his benefit.
Lewis told Kaieteur News that while he initially dismissed the idea of amputating his leg, it now seems like the only option, since 13 years after the blast it is yet to heal and has prevented him from attaining meaningful employment. For some time, the Enmore North, East Coast Demerara resident made a living as a horse cart operator.
He said that on the day of the explosion, soldiers deep within the barrack room which faced the ammunition building—packed with guns, ammunition, bombs and other explosives–had the toughest time getting to safety. He explained that he was sleeping in the soldiers’ quarters and awoke to a fiery atmosphere. Unfortunately, the direction to safety was the same as the exploding bombs, and burning building, Lewis recounted. He said it was the only way out and he had to run through fire.
That was when, he said, something exploded, mortally wounding a colleague.
Lewis said that when the injured were flown overseas for medical attention, they were required to stay for one year, but were returned to Guyana after three months.
He said that while the four most critically injured ranks were at the time promised that they would be returned to Texas in the USA for follow-up treatment, none of this manifested, as the GDF claimed not to have the finances. Lewis believes that due to the lack of treatment, his leg worsened and now has to be amputated. Both legs are affected, and Lewis has already lost several toes. Medical consultations are continuing.
The GDF under its current leader, Brigadier Mark Phillips, is making good on its promise to financially support those who were injured. Some of the ranks were able to uplift their gratuity at the Finance Ministry yesterday morning.
Lieutenant Colonel Morris told Kaieteur News that six of the nine ranks were able to uplift their dues, while paperwork is ongoing for the remaining three. He added that the ranks that were struck of strength also signed up for their pension and should be accessing this by the next payment.
Morris said that the payments to the injured ranks were based on their years of service and what is required by the Defence Act.
The Camp Groomes matter resurfaced last year February when the ranks complained that they were taken off the Force’s payroll. It was pointed out at the time that a mistake was made in cutting their salaries which were later returned. Certain commitments to address the soldiers’ gratuity and pension were however broken.
Recently – appointed Chief of Staff Brigadier Phillips had apologized to the injured ranks – on behalf of the GDF – for the all-round hardship they faced. He had vowed also to make moves to aid the retired soldiers.
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